The Celibate Rifles

The Celibate Rifles were an influential Australian punk rock band that emerged from the thriving underground music scene in Sydney during the late 1970s. Formed in 1979, the band was known for their raw energy, guitar-driven sound, and sharp, often witty lyrics. They combined elements of punk with garage rock and proto-grunge, which earned them both critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase in Australia and abroad. The band’s debut album, Sideroxylon (1983), set the tone for a career marked by a fiercely independent spirit and a commitment to powerful live performances.

Led for much of their career by frontman Damien Lovelock, whose charismatic stage presence and lyrical depth helped define their identity, The Celibate Rifles released numerous albums and toured extensively over the decades. Despite never achieving massive commercial success, their influence on the Australian alternative rock scene was significant, and they remained active in various forms well into the 2000s. Their blend of intellectual punk rock and unrelenting stage energy secured them a place as cult favorites in rock circles both at home and internationally.

Genres

Garage Rock

Indie Rock

Rock

Alternative Rock

Post-punk

Noise Rock

Hardcore Punk

Grunge

Latest Release

Meeting the Mexicans (Acoustic Set)

The Celibate Rifles

Album - 10 Tracks - Released March 31, 2024